Handful of Sustainable Yoga Mats Emerging Out of a Sea of EVA/TPE Mats

Yoga mats might have been a statement piece,only a few invested in to boast of an active lifestyle few years ago but today they are a staple found in almost all households. Be it seniors or the younger ones, almost everyone is making efforts to stay fit during these times and that’s how the humble yoga mat has become a thing of necessity. While the market is flooded with printed mats to help people express themselves, this trend is taking a toll on the environment. Digitally printed yoga mats are mostly made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), or at best PU (Polyurethane). All these materials are insanely harmful for the health of the planet and the people using them. Moreover, they start stinking just after a few uses and the worst, they curl around the edges! 

Traditionally, yogis have been practicing on soft dhurries that provide a limited but certain level of grip and cushioning--a great option for light exercises but might not tick all the boxes for heavy or fast workouts. That’s why, we set on some research and experimentation to find out which mats can keep us safe and are sustainable at the same time! Let’s find out:

Masu Tattva Yoga Mat | Buy Now
For so many people, the cause for looking up yoga mats is the need for cushioning. Tired of hitting palms and knees on the floor, yogis turn to a mat that would provide some relief during workouts. That’s where Masu’s Tattva Yoga Mat comes in. It’s made of jute and cotton, has a firm grip and is super easy to carry around,weighing just 0.9 kg (any other average mat weighs around 2 kg). Most importantly, it has an ideal thickness of 6 mm, which is great for cushioning. You can vacuum or spot clean this mat for best results. Check out its rubbery counterpart Masu Mudra Mat, which has jute woven in a herringbone pattern to avoid any burns after workouts. Both these mats look super earthy and pleasing to the eye.
Price- Rs. 1,699

​

Juru Shakti Cork Yoga Mat | Buy Now
Juru makes mats out of cork. Cork provides unparalleled grip and is naturally antimicrobial. It can be reversed and used on both the sides. Cork is pretty water, resistant so you can even use it on the beach side during travels. Juru’s Shakti Cork Yoga Mat can thrive during intense ashtanga sessions. It’s easily washable, recyclable, and biodegradable. The mat weighs 2 kg and has a thickness of 3 mm. We also appreciate the small logo printed in white at the corner of the mat. Nothing is worse than a large print on the mat staring at you during a workout. The price is inclusive of a sling to roll and carry your mat. 
Price- Rs. 2,999

Proyog Bengal Yoga Mat | Buy Now
​Saving the best for the last, we are in love with the Bengal Yoga Mat from Proyog. The mat is composed of two favourites, which are jute and pure rubber. It’s entirely recyclable and biodegradable. Free from PU, PVC, and all things nasty. Its rubber sourced from south India provides excellent grip and the 4 mm thickness makes it durable to endure years of usage. The jute keeps the mat naturally fresh and no, it’s not scratchy to touch. Cleaning the mat is super easy, just dust it off and carry on. We recommend this one if you are into heavier workouts as it won’t slip no matter how fast you do those mountain climbers! Don’t forget to check out their Channapatna Jod Yoga Mat Band with lacquer finish that snugs your mat in style to a roll size of your choice. 
​Price- Rs. 4,499 (Sign up on their website to receive 20% discount on first purchase.)

All three yoga mats are amazing in their own right. Pick the one suitable to your needs and let us know about it in the comments. Till then, shop sustainable and stay safe.